Dispatch or Despatch

[bookboo]

Do they mean the same thing? My Word Web seems to think so!

[rockyracoon]

This is a thread about it from a while ago.

http://www.theanswerb...s/Question701689.html

[dzug2]

Just alternative spellings

[boxtops]

Yes, alternative spellings (as with so many words in the English language, both are acceptable)

[bookboo]

Great, thanks. In an email to a company I asked when they would be 'dispatching' something and they responded with 'it will be despatched'. Good to know they are both correct

[HowardKennitby]

Yes, interchangeable spellings.

dispatch or despatch verb (dispatched, dispatching; despatched, despatching) 1 to send (mail, a person, etc) to a place for a particular reason. 2 to finish off or deal with something quickly • dispatch a meal. 3 euphemistic to kill. noun 1 (often dispatches) an official (especially military or diplomatic) report. 2 a journalist's report sent to a newspaper. 3 the act of dispatching; the fact of being dispatched. 4 old use speed or haste. mentioned in despatches as a distinction: commended in official military dispatches for bravery, etc.
ETYMOLOGY: 16c: from French despeechier to set free.